Thread: Flintlocks anyone

Originally Posted by bharner

Good question... I think it's a .50 but I haven't checked yet ... I need to figure out how to take it apart and then check under the barrel for a stamp. There are no external markings on it.
Or I could probably grab one the .495 lead balls I have and see if it fits. And why I didn't think of that till now, I'm not sure.

if it's hook-breeched, then easy enough to drive out the pins or keys and lift he bbl out. if not, you'll have to remove the tang screw and the pins/keys. BUT i wouldn't pull the bbl at all. JUST pop the lock out and clean up in there-a regular cleaning procedure for longevity.

I'm no expert, but i hang out at ALR (American Longrifles) and have a build started and some more parts accumulated.

My first concern would be smoothness of the bore, anything that's ever had pyrodex or such in it get micro-etched nearly immediately and macro-etched if not vigorously maintained. Powder (black powder) is not that way.

A high-quality kit or compilation of part for such a gun is around 600 bucks (with swamped bbl).

i sold my last percussion gun to buy part for my first flinter, and haven't finished it yet (TN-style, 42-inch bbl, double set, english lock).

congrats and enjoy.

Originally Posted by Nightblade

If it's a 50, you got a deer rifle. That would be sweet.

depends upon your state regs and how close you can get to the quarry. my state allows 36 and up for deer. I personally think 40 would be marginal and 45 would be _fine_ for Eastern hardwood hunting (assuming a modicum of marksmanship and restraint).

but Dude must abide.

I built this one in 88. 1/4 sawed maple green mountain barrel Davis triggers slier lock German silver inlays. 54 cal. 42in" barrel. pulled out all my hair before I finished. the deer was 187 steps , I know the deer is small but he eat good. I've built several sense this one but I still hunt with it. there was a bunch of us that got together and shot the guns on weekend but I guess I may be the only one left. I want to go to friendship this year I just hope I can remember when it happens.

For small game i would go with a .32 cal. unless you are going to bark them. Even a .32 can make a mess of things if you hit them wrong. JMO.

Mate, you might try a .490 with a thicker patch, you won't need a short starter, you can use the but of your patch knife to seat the ball below the muzzle then cut the patch. Track of the wolf mink oil is a pretty good patch lube. Use the same FFg black as your priming and main charge. Hopefully the bore is in good order.
Well traded !!

Cheers

heelerau